Brentford FC XI 3-1 Manchester United XI

With many clubs on international break this weekend, a Brenford FC XI hosted a Manchester United XI in an exhibition game at Griffin Park. Ricky Sbragia chose to include many young players in a much altered Manchester United side, but the visitors came up short in a 3-1 loss.

The Red’s started the game brightly and took the lead after just three minutes. A mistake between defender Jaakko Oksanen and Brentford’s trialist goalkeeper ended in a calamitous goal that gave United a fortuitous early advantage.

The Bees looked to respond immediately, and if not for some superb goalkeeping from Theo Richardson, they would have been level. The United keeper made two impressive saves within seconds of each other to keep his side’s lead intact.

Brentford always looked the more threatening side in the first-half, missing several opportunities in a largely one-sided affair. The hosts finally equalized on 39 minutes, after Ali Coote fired past Richardson from inside the box.

Ricky Sbragia made seven changes in the second-half, but Brentford once again dominated possession and chances. It took them just four minutes to take the lead after the break when Marcus Forss finished an excellent passage of play from the Championship side.

Brentford’s XI made it three shortly past the hour mark, with a tidy finish at the top of the box from Reece Cole.

Manchester United’s young side were given a lesson from an experienced Brentford squad. The reserves will return to action On Friday, April 6, in a huge relegation match against fellow strugglers Sunderland at Old Trafford.